To maintain a comfy life, we depend on underground facilities for the conveyance, storage or transmission of gas, electricity and cable communications. Beneath our feet, manhole covers that we pass over every day serve as the gateway between the two worlds, above and underneath. Through them, one can know about the historical changes along the development of the city, and read the industrial story of “Made in Hong Kong”.

Manhole cover is never a popular discussion topic. Neither can it be easily associated with cultural conservation. Yet these essential public facilities do not only witness the changes of public works, but also reflect the development of the iron foundry industry of Hong Kong for the past century through different designs, materials and manufacturing techniques. The Conservancy Association Centre for Heritage (CACHe) organises this “Manhole Covers” exhibition in hope of unearthing the secret information hidden in the manhole covers, so as to attain better knowledge of iron foundries of our city, its craftsmen and operatives, to exhibit the birth of a manhole cover, and to explore the history of Hong Kong’s progressive public works. Through these most common covers, we present you the least explored territory of Hong Kong’s history.

The Scheme is organised by the Conservancy Association Centre for Heritage (CACHe) and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Through various community-based activities, the Scheme serves to encourage intergenerational exchanges and embrace social inclusion. It is also committed to enhancing the ambiance of community engagement and participation in cultural heritage conservation and strengthening social cohesion. Launched in 2005, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust Community Project Grant provides its partners with funding in three-year cycles to deliver appropriate community services and support the underprivileged.

Established in 2005, The Conservancy Association Centre for Heritage (CACHe) is committed to organising different heritage conservation activities. Our mission is to promote the history and culture of Hong Kong, to develop a knowledge exchange platform, and to encourage public engagement in the conservation of community cultural heritage and hence enhance the realisation of their social identities.